Asked about security improvements to prevent more shootings on U.S. military bases, Hagel said, “Obviously, when we have these kinds of tragedies on our bases, something’s not working.” (New York Daily News)

DUH.

I know, I’m a civilian with no military experience. The closest I come by it is a fraternal grandfather who was a Marine prior to WWI. And walking into the Army ROTC office in college. The guy-behind-the-desk there asked me to walk back and forth, noted my leg disability, and stated “You can’t march – we can’t use you.”

BUT I greatly respect this Nation’s military, past and present. And I support them to the best of my ability.

And so I’m confounded as to why, when we are in The Global War On TerrorOverseas Contingency Operation Countering Violent Extremism that those uniformed military forces who are duly qualified are not allowed and encouraged to carry weapons anywhere they might encounter hostile action?

‘They’ are turning our military men and women into a target-rich environment, incapable of responding in kind to a threat. How wrong is THAT?

Our people are sitting ducks – in uniforms!

Isn’t this both ironic and dangerous?

Mr. President/Secretary Hagel – PLEASE allow our people to defend themselves. (Look to whom I’m appealing, the same folks who call the first Ft. Hood shooting ‘workplace violence’ (wherein the guy was yelling Allahu Akhbar while murdering people!), and a President who actively is pursuing policies toward civilian disarmament in his own country!)

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About guffaw1952

I'm a child of the 50's. libertarian, now medically-retired. I've been a certified firearms trainer, a private investigator, and worked for a major credit card company for almost 22 years. I am a proud NRA Life Member. I am a limited-government, free-market capitalist, who believes in the U.S. Constitution and the Rule of Law.

Discussion

12 thoughts on ““…something’s not working.””

Since Anchorage is a city with a very large military population (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson), we’re aware of the Air Force requirement that any personnel with firearms must not only register them with the Base Armorer, but must also keep them in said armory, on-base, even if they live off-base in their own houses.

Any bets on how many ahem illegally-stored firearms are in off-base housing? After all, we’ve inculcated a “don’t ask, don’t tell” mindset by Presidential decree for 20-some years… it’s schadenfreudtastic!

Military members have generally been unarmed on base for decades. I do not recall a when it was allowed. Memebers in housing are “allowed” to store properly registered, unloaded and secured weapons in housing. Oft post the military is required to follow state law.

This tragedy again reinforces that each individual is responsible for their own security, 24/7. Military bases generally have much higher percentages of armed security than small towns of similar size and still suffer violent crime. FT Hood was “protected” by Military Police (Army), Department of the Army Police (Civilians) and armed security guards (Civilians) on the entrances to the installation. Even though an officer was able to respond in time to reduce the crime, it was still several minutes to late.

Well, some, anyway.
That’s why I suggested ‘who are duly qualified’, because most military folks just have a passing familiarity, if they’re lucky. I used to work with a former Navy guy
who’s M.O.S. had nothing to do with combat. His firearms training was a slideshow, “This is a 1911, this is an M-16″.

That’s the way mine was (RTC Great Lakes, January 1985), with the added instruction to fire in a generally “thataway” direction and a dire warning that our own death would be immediate and painful if the weaponry didn’t remain pointed “thataway” at all times. Range instructors were duly impressed if any of the rounds actually struck targets (even if they were not our own targets), as much a function of old worn-out weapons as general unfamiliarity with same.

This is why I am always amused by the allegations by mediots of the supposed weapons expertise of every single military vet in existence. Marines maybe, but as for the rest of us not directly in the firearms toting business firearm totery was an ancillary duty at best.

In light of the terrible events at Ft. Hood, I am trying to reach as many people as possible who might know a veteran in need. Please check Colonel Mike Grices’ site which is designed for that purpose__http://orderstonowhere.com

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